PHILIP A. CARANCI. At the age of 87, Philip A. Caranci passed away August 14, 2016. He retired from the U. S. Army in September of 1985, with an exceptional 31 years combined service. Throughout those years of service, the modest Command Sgt. Major (CSM) was honored with countless awards, among these were awards such as his Expert Infantryman Badge (E.I.B.), and the Army Commendation Medal with two clusters. However, his love for his country is unable to overcast the love he had for his family. The backbone and guiding hand, he was the man who held together an extremely loving family who will miss him dearly. Although the words to describe how accomplished this man was come easy, it seem the best words to describe the loss his family feels are the ones their hearts silently feel. CSM Caranci was preceded in death by his loving parents, Pietro "Pete" and Rose Marie; brothers, Leroy "Tony," Joseph and Raymond Caranci; daughter in law, Paula Crawford. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Betty (Lawzer) Caranci; daughters, Shari (Earl) McNeely of Eastlake, OH., and Brenda (George) White of Littleton, CO; two step-sons, Robert Crawford of Euclid, OH and Larry (Mary Ann) Crawford of Laurel, MD. Grandchildren, Lindsey and Robert Griffin, Allison and David White and Brian Crawford. Three great-grandchildren and another on the way. Mass of Christian Burial will be 9:30 AM, Friday, at St. Mary Church, 242 North State Street in Painesville. VIEWING HOURS will be 4:00-6:00 PM, Thursday, at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, OH.